Two-time Africa Games champion Angela Okutoyi will use the FISU World University Games in Germany as a build-up for the Billie Jean King Cup scheduled for August 4-11 in Namibia.
Okutoyi believes the tournament will be ideal as Team Kenya seek promotion from Group III to Group II. The three-time Kenya Open champion has been playing in France and Germany for the better part of two months and says she is in good form and is looking ahead to the battle.
“ I have played in Germany and France on several surfaces- both hard and murram. I have adapted well, and I will be adequately tested accordingly,“ added Okutoyi
The Auburn University student is seeded ninth and faces a tall order against the likes of Xinxin Yao from China, Alevtina Ibragimova (Russia) and Polina Latcenko, also from Russia.
Okutoyi says she is bullish about her chances in the week-long championship. ”It's a quality tournament with the top university players from around the world and it's an honour to represent Kenya. So I am taking it one game at a time and I hope to go on a deep run in the championship,” added Okutoyi.
Team Kenya coach Thuku Rogoi said he is satisfied with the buildup that Okutoyi and the rest of the provisional team have undergone
"As the coach of the team, I am so far satisfied with the preparation they have undergone," he said.
The rest of the provisional team includes Cynthia Cheruto, Alicia Owegi, Stacy Yego, Melissa Mwakha, Selina Ahoya and Nancy Kawira.
The final squad will be whittled down to four players at the end of the month. Kenya will also be represented by Kael Shah, who has entered the boys' category.
Shah played for the Davis Cup team in Angola last month and is relishing the battle ahead.
“I played in the Davis Cup and several matches under my belt. I expect very competitive, and I look forward to the championship,” observed Shah
Shah is currently ranked second in the US college circuit, and observing him playing in the United States will give him an advantage in the event.
